Philharmonic Society Chief Conlin Resigns

William P. Conlin, president of the Orange County Philharmonic Society and a moderate advocate for a proposed merger of the Society and the Pacific Symphony, has resigned the position, citing unspecified personal and professional reasons.

He has been replaced by Edward D. Halvajian, a former president and chairman of the society who has spoken strongly in favor of the merger. Halvajian will serve as acting president for the remainder of the 1991-92 season. Conlin will remain on the board of directors.

Conlin said he did not think the change in leadership would affect any merger and Halvajian could not be reached for comment.

The discussions started in September but appear to be on hold in the wake of internal and public criticism. Advocates note that the Pacific posted a $231,000 loss last year, bringing its deficit to $830,000, and that the Society, which had operated in the black, now has a deficit of $244,000. Critics say that fund-raising for a new, single organization may not be as effective as hoped for, and that one of the groups inevitably would give way to the other.